This secure environment provides multi-task ability for the mother while enjoying a truly hands free nursing experience in the home or on-the-go!

ABSTRACT

A hands free nursing baby carrier having a comfortable, wide, padded supportive back strap and shoulder straps with adjustable buckles. These straps connect to a laterally positioned baby carrier, which is ideal for use in the proper nursing position. The back support straps connect to the baby carrier, which is worn on the front of the mother&#39;s body, high on the mother&#39;s back and immediately under her breast line for a secure and snug fit. There is an extra-secure dual swaddling harness system without buckles or hard edges to cause discomfort. This harness system provides security for the infant while positioned in the baby carrier. Moreover, it&#39;s dual harness system features a comfortable, padded large center harness flap that is positioned between baby&#39;s legs and against his belly with dual, comfortable, padded harness flaps at either end of the baby carrier for ease in interchanging baby&#39;s positioning from one breast to the other. The hands free nursing baby carrier provides optimal privacy for mother and baby using an attached cover-up, made from a rectangular piece of cotton fabric, spanning the length of the baby carrier across the front of the carrier as well as the width covering the mother&#39;s breasts and chest. This cover-up is equipped with an underlay peek-a-boo net made from netting material. This net is used for the mother to check on the continual safe breathing and nursing positioning of the baby while yet maintaining optimal privacy. The hands free nursing baby carrier is made with an elastic opening creating a close, secure environment for baby&#39;s safety and comfort. The hands free nursing baby carrier is made from 100% cotton for machine washing and extreme durability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to carriers for babies, worn frontally, and specifically to the first of its kind baby carrier designed exclusively for breastfeeding an infant hands free.

2. Description of the Related Art

Babies enjoy being held close by their mother and having a bonding experience when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding an infant and holding him securely in the proper lateral nursing position generally requires two hands. If the nursing mother is standing or moving around, holding an infant in the proper lateral nursing position is tiring since most of the weight is on the mother's arms and lower back. Since both of the mother's hands are being utilized to hold and support the breastfeeding infant in the proper lateral position, it is difficult, if not impossible, for a nursing mother to accomplish other tasks. This hands free nursing baby carrier is the first of its kind and cannot be referenced to any claim previously set forth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention has a rectangular shaped firm cushion, providing a laterally positioned flat surface for breastfeeding in the proper nursing position. The invention also includes an extra-secure dual swaddling harness system, supportive back and shoulder straps, plastic adjustable buckles and hooks, and a cover up with an underlay peek-a-boo net.

The rectangular shaped firm cushion is a one inch thick, 8 by 20 inch piece of dense foam covered in a 100% cotton fabric. The 100% cotton fabric is chosen for durability and machine washing. The firm rectangular cushion is laterally positioned to create a flat surface baby carrier to keep the infant in the proper lateral nursing position during breastfeeding.

The extra-secure dual swaddling harness system is without buckles or hard edges, rather uses Velcro, providing comfort and security for the infant. There is a comfortable, padded, large center harness flap attached to the center of the flat surface baby carrier that is positioned between baby's legs and against his belly with dual, comfortable, padded harness flaps located on either side of the flat surface baby carrier at each end, on the sides of the baby carrier for ease in interchanging baby's positioning from one breast to the other. The paddle shaped large center harness flap is approximately 9½ inches in length and 3½ inches in width at the attached end of the flap and increases to 6½ inches in width at the top end of the flap (creating a paddle shape) with a 1½ by 4½ inch strip of Velcro on each side of the top end of the center harness flap. There are four rounded tip, rectangular shaped padded harness flaps beginning approximately 4½ inches from each end of the baby carrier; two flaps on the left side and two flaps on the right side, creating ease in interchanging baby's positioning from one breast to the other, which measures 3½ by 7½ inches. There is a 1½ by 1½ inch square of Velcro on the inner side of all four harness flaps. On the harness flaps located nearest to the mother's body there are also 1¼ by 5½ inch strips of Velcro on the outer side of two harness flaps.

There is a comfortable, wide, padded supportive back strap. The 100% cotton padded back support strap is approximately 4 by 16 inches in length, from buckle to buckle. There is an extended strap length of approximately 12½ inches on each strap, totaling the entire length of the back support strap to 41 inches. This extra length is used for adjusting the back support strap longer or shorter to create a secure and snug fit around the mother's body, connecting the hands free nursing baby carrier onto the front of the mother's body, high on her back, and immediately under her breast line, utilizing the proper lateral nursing position.

Located in the top center of the back support strap are two comfortable, wide, padded supportive shoulder straps also with adjustable buckles at the end of the straps. The padded support straps are 2 by 23 inches in length. To adjust the height of the laterally positioned baby carrier which is located securely and snugly on the front of the mother, high on her back, and immediately under her breast line, the straps can be pulled down to create a close bond between baby and mother's breast for nursing. There are four half circle (D), metal ringlets positioned vertically along each support strap. Each ringlet is positioned 2 inches apart.

There is a plastic hook attached to the top left tip of a 19 by 11½ inch piece of 100% cotton fabric. There is an elastic hem at the top of the 19 inch fabric making the top edge equal a gathered width of 6 inches while the bottom width remains 19 inches, without elastic. This piece of fabric serves as a cover up, providing optimal privacy for the mother's right breast while nursing on the right side. There is a plastic hook attached to the top right tip of a 100% cotton fabric using the exact measurements as the opposite side. This piece of fabric serves as a cover up, providing optimal privacy for the mother's left breast while nursing on the left side. Both of these hooks will attach to one of the adjoining half circle (D), metal ringlets positioned vertically along each strap. The mother would adjust the hands free nursing baby carrier by hooking the cover up onto the appropriate rings of the shoulder straps that would best heighten and angle the baby to her breast for a comfortable nursing position.

The right and left side, 100% cotton, fabric cover ups are sewn to a 12½ by 19 inch piece of 100% cotton fabric positioned in the front of the hands free nursing baby carrier, that serves as the frontal cover up. This cover up provides optimal privacy for the mother and baby because it spans the length of the baby carrier. Together with the side cover ups, the mother's breasts and chest would be concealed at all times during nursing.

Under the 100% cotton fabric in the front of the hands free nursing baby carrier, used for optimal privacy, covering the mother's chest and breast, there is a 20 by 11 inch net fabric trimmed in a 36 inch boning. The boning is covered in 100% cotton fabric for comfort. The 20 inch net fabric is sewn into the lining of the elastic opening side of the baby carrier (the side farthest from the mother's body). There are three small snaps strategically positioned on each end of the boning and one in the center. These snaps attach to the 100% cotton front cover up and can be snapped and unsnapped easily. This underlay peek-a-boo netting allows the mother to check on the continual safe breathing and nursing positioning of the baby while yet maintaining optimal privacy.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of the invention to provide hands free nursing in the home or on-the-go eliminating the need to physically hold the nursing baby in the mother's arms.

It is another object of the invention to create multi-task ability for the mother to take care of younger, dependent children as well as tend to other household needs.

It is another object of the invention to provide comfort. 100% cotton fabric is used on all surfaces along with adjustable, wide, padded back and shoulder straps and an extra-secure dual swaddling harness system without buckles or hard edges to cause discomfort to mother and baby.

It is another object of the invention to provide support. This unique design allows nursing in the lateral position using a firm, durable, dense foam padding which also balances the baby's weight on the mother's shoulders and lower back.

It is another object of the invention to use dual harness capability. This hands free nursing baby carrier offers the ease of interchanging nursing positioning, one breast to the other, without removing the baby carrier from the mother's person.

It is another object of the invention to provide privacy for mother and baby while breastfeeding. The attached large center and both attached left and right side cover ups provide optimal privacy covering the mother's breasts and chest.

It is another object of the invention to create safety. The elastic opening creates a close, secure environment to hold the infant safely and closely to the mother during breastfeeding in the lateral nursing position. Moreover, the peek-a-boo net allows the mother to check on the continual safe breathing and proper nursing positioning of the baby.

It is another object of the invention to provide durability. The hands free nursing baby carrier is made from 100% cotton, which is a machine washable and durable fabric.

It is another object of the invention to use this unique design allowing an infant to breastfeed in the lateral position, which is recommended by doctors and lactation specialists as the proper nursing position.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a hands free nursing baby carrier that is easy to manufacture, is inexpensive, dependable, durable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hands free nursing baby carrier with the back and shoulder support straps buckled and the cover up and underlay peek-a-boo net are positioned up. Both the left and right side cover ups, with hooks, are positioned up and next to the half circle, (D), metal ringlets that are positioned vertically along the front of each support strap, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a hands free nursing baby carrier with the back and shoulder support straps buckled and the cover up and underlay peek-a-boo net are positioned down, featuring the front of the shoulder support straps, the plastic buckles, the extra length of the straps for adjustments, and the half circle, (D), metal ringlets that are positioned vertically along the front of each support strap, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a rectangular shaped, firm, laterally positioned, dense, foam cushion and the extra-secure dual swaddling harness system demonstrating how the Velcro snaps complete the swaddling harness system on the right and the harness flaps on the left are closed, using the Velcro snaps, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a rectangular shaped, firm, laterally positioned, dense, foam cushion and the extra-secure dual swaddling harness system demonstrating how the Velcro snaps complete the swaddling harness system on the right and the harness flaps on the left are open, exposing the Velcro, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a hands free nursing baby carrier featuring the back and shoulder support straps buckled and the left and right side cover ups hooked onto the half circle, (D), metal ringlets that are positioned vertically along the front each support strap, with the extra length of the back support straps tied in a knot to avoid them hanging too long on the mother's back, according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hands free nursing baby carrier. The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention has a front cover up (1) with an attached underlay peek-a-boo net (2), which is not visible when the front cover up is attached. There are right (3) and left (4) side cover ups with two attached hooks (5), two shoulder support straps (6) with eight half circle, (D) metal ringlets (7) positioned vertically on the shoulder support straps. There are two attached buckles (8) on each shoulder support strap. Finally a back support strap (9) with attached buckles (10), that are not visible when the front cover up (1) is up, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a hands free nursing baby carrier. The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention has the back (9) and shoulder (6) support straps buckled and the front cover up (1) and underlay peek-a-boo net (2), along with the right (3) and left (4) side cover ups, are all positioned down, featuring the front of the shoulder support straps (6), the plastic buckles (8), the extra length of the straps for adjustments, and the half circle, (D), metal ringlets (7) that are positioned vertically along the front of each support strap, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a hands free nursing baby carrier. The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention has a rectangular shaped, firm, laterally positioned, dense, foam cushion (11) and the extra-secure dual swaddling harness system demonstrating how the Velcro snaps on the harness flaps (13) attached to the large center harness flap (12) complete the swaddling harness system on the right and the harness flaps (13) on the left are closed, using the Velcro snaps, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a hands free nursing baby carrier. The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention has a rectangular shaped, firm, laterally positioned, dense, foam cushion (11) and the extra-secure dual swaddling harness system demonstrating how the Velcro snaps on the harness flaps (13) attached to the large center harness flap (12) complete the swaddling harness system on the right and the harness flaps (13) on the left are open, exposing the Velcro, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a hands free nursing baby carrier. The hands free nursing baby carrier of the present invention features the back (9) and shoulder (6) support straps buckled (8 and 10), and the left (4) and right (3) side cover ups hooked (5), which is not visible, onto the half circle, (D), metal ringlets (7) that are positioned vertically along the front each support strap. The extra lengths of the back support straps are tied in a knot to avoid them hanging too long on the mother's back, according to the present invention.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A hands free nursing baby carrier comprising: A. An 8 by 20 inch, with a one inch thick, rectangular shaped foam cushion covered in a 100% cotton fabric for durability and machine washing, creating a comfortable, yet firm, laterally positioned flat surface baby carrier; B. On the cushion there is an extra secure dual swaddling harness system without buckles or hard edges, rather using Velcro; C. There is a comfortable, padded, large center harness flap attached to the center of the flat surface baby carrier that is positioned between baby's legs and against his belly with dual, comfortable, padded harness flaps located on either side of the flat surface baby carrier at each end, on the sides of the baby carrier for ease in interchanging baby's positioning from one breast to the other; D. The paddle shaped large center harness flap is approximately 9½ inches in length and 3½ inches in width at the attached end of the flap and increases to 6¼ inches in width at the top end of the flap (creating a paddle shape) with a 1½ by 4½ inch strip of Velcro on each side of the top end of the center harness flap; E. There are four rounded tip, rectangular shaped padded harness flaps beginning approximately 4½ inches from each end of the baby carrier; two flaps on the left side and two flaps on the right side, creating ease in interchanging baby's positioning from one breast to the other, which measures 3½ by 7½ inches; F. There is a 1½ by 1½ inch square of Velcro on the inner side of all four harness flaps; G. On the harness flaps located nearest to the mother's body there are also 1¼ by 5½ inch strips of Velcro on the outer side of two harness flaps; H. There is a 6 by 32 inch rectangular piece of 100% cotton fabric attached directly to the laterally positioned flat surface baby carrier on the side closest to the mother's body; I. This fabric is secured by a 1½ inch extra padded elastic seam at the top edge of the 6 inch width rectangular fabric; J. This elastic seam is 15¼ inches in length with a plastic buckle attached at each end; K. The plastic adjustable buckles connect to the comfortable, wide, padded supportive back strap; L. The 100% cotton padded back support strap is approximately 4 by 16 inches in length, from buckle to buckle; M. There is an extended strap length of approximately 12½ inches on each strap, totaling the entire length of the back support strap to 41 inches; N. This extra length is used for adjusting the back support strap longer or shorter to create a secure and snug fit around the mother's body, connecting the hands free nursing baby carrier onto the front of the mother's body, high on her back, and immediately under her breast line, utilizing the proper lateral nursing position; O. Located in the top center of the back support strap are two comfortable, wide, padded supportive shoulder straps also with adjustable buckles at the end of the straps; P. The padded support straps are 2 by 23 inches in length; Q. To adjust the height of the laterally positioned baby carrier which is located securely and snugly on the front of the mother, high on her back, and immediately under her breast line, the straps can be pulled down to create a close bond between baby and mother's breast for nursing; R. There are four half circle (D), metal ringlets positioned vertically along each support strap; S. Each ringlet is positioned 2 inches apart; T. There is a plastic hook attached to the top left tip of a 19 by 11½ inch piece of 100% cotton fabric; U. There is an elastic hem at the top of the 19 inch fabric making the top edge equal a gathered width of 6 inches while the bottom width remains 19 inches, without elastic; V. This piece of fabric serves as a cover up, providing optimal privacy for the mother's right breast while nursing on the right side; W. There is a plastic hook attached to the top right tip of a 100% cotton fabric using the exact measurements as the opposite side; X. This piece of fabric serves as a cover up, providing optimal privacy for the mother's left breast while nursing on the left side; Y. Both of these hooks will attach to one of the adjoining half circle (D), metal ringlets positioned vertically along each strap; Z. The mother would adjust the hands free nursing baby carrier by hooking the cover up onto the appropriate rings of the shoulder straps that would best heighten and angle the baby to her breast for a comfortable nursing position; AA. The right and left side, 100% cotton, fabric cover ups are sewn to a 12½ by 19 inch piece of 100% cotton fabric positioned in the front of the hands free nursing baby carrier, that serves as the frontal cover up; BB. This cover up provides optimal privacy for the mother and baby because it spans the length of the baby carrier; CC. Together with the side cover ups, the mother's breasts and chest would be concealed at all times during nursing; DD. Under the 100% cotton fabric in the front of the hands free nursing baby carrier, used for optimal privacy, covering the mother's chest and breast, there is a 20 by 11 inch net fabric trimmed in a 36 inch boning; EE. The boning is covered in 100% cotton fabric for comfort; FF. The 20 inch net fabric is sewn into the lining of the elastic opening side of the baby carrier (the side farthest from the mother's body); GG. There are three small snaps strategically positioned on each end of the boning and one in the center; HH. These snaps attach to the 100% cotton front cover up and can be snapped and unsnapped easily; II. This underlay peek-a-boo netting allows the mother to check on the continual safe breathing and nursing positioning of the baby while yet maintaining optimal privacy; JJ. The elastic opening side of the hands free nursing baby carrier (the side farthest from the mother's body) creates a close, secure environment for baby's safety and comfort; KK. The elastic opening side is 4 by 32 inches, as is the length of 32 inches on the side closest to the mother's body; LL. The elastic draws to 15 inches in the front of the baby carrier, leaving 8½ inches of 100% cotton fabric, without elastic, on the right and left sides of the drawn elastic, again totaling 32 inches; MM. Attached to the front opening side of the 15 inch elastic drawn 100% cotton fabric are two comfortable, wide, padded supportive straps that buckle to the two shoulder support straps; NN. The left supportive strap is sewn to the elastic drawn opening measuring 5¼ inches in width and the right supportive strap is sewn to the elastic drawn opening measuring the same 5¼ inches in width; OO. There is a space of 4½ inches between the two comfortable, wide, padded supportive straps; PP. The two supportive straps narrow as they go up to a total length of 8½ inches; QQ. The middle of each wide, padded supportive strap measures 4½ inches and the top of the rounded supportive straps measure 2½ inches; RR. There is a buckle attached at the end of the 8½ inch comfortable, wide, padded supportive strap; SS. There is a 1 by 10 inch strap attached at the end of the 8½ inch supportive strap which is looped through the buckle and sewn securely to the elastic opening of the baby carrier to ensure a secure hold of the wide, padded supportive straps to the shoulder straps when buckled together; 